Mosaic channel video stream with personalized interactive services

ABSTRACT

An interactive mosaic channel video stream with indicators as to the action on a given video stream. An interactive matrixed video channel displayed on a video monitor, with a plurality of individual video feeds being presented at a given time, comprising a plurality of video cells presenting at least video information, each video cell associated with one of the plurality of individual video feeds, each video cell further comprising an area within the video cell reporting data related to the video feed, a cursor, which is moveable between the plurality of video cells, for selecting at least one characteristic associated with a selected video cell, such that a video program associated with the selected video cell is selectable via the cursor, and at least one selection screen, associated with the video information, wherein selections of at least one individual participant are made and statistics related to the selected individuals are displayed on the video monitor based on performance of the at least one individual participant.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C Section 119(e) ofU.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/838,913, filed on Aug. 18,2006, by David E. Shanks et al., entitled “MOSAIC CHANNEL VIDEO STREAMWITH PERSONALIZED INTERACTIVE SERVICES,” which application isincorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to satellite video systems, andin particular, to a method, apparatus, and article of manufacture forinteractive mosaic channel video streams.

2. Description of the Related Art

Satellite broadcasting of communications signals has become commonplace.Satellite distribution of commercial signals for use in televisionprogramming currently utilizes multiple feedhorns on a single OutdoorUnit (ODU) which supply signals to up to eight IRDs on separate cablesfrom a multiswitch.

FIG. 1 illustrates a typical satellite television installation of therelated art.

System 100 uses signals sent from Satellite A (SatA) 102, Satellite B(SatB) 104, and Satellite C (SatC) 106 that are directly broadcast to anOutdoor Unit (ODU) 108 that is typically attached to the outside of ahouse 110. ODU 108 receives these signals and sends the received signalsto IRD 112, which decodes the signals and separates the signals intoviewer channels, which are then passed to monitor 114 for viewing by auser. There can be more than one satellite transmitting from eachorbital location.

Satellite uplink signals 116 are transmitted by one or more uplinkfacilities 118 to the satellites 102-104 that are typically ingeosynchronous orbit. Satellites 102-106 amplify and rebroadcast theuplink signals 116, through transponders located on the satellite, asdownlink signals 120. Depending on the satellite 102-106 antennapattern, the downlink signals 120 are directed towards geographic areasfor reception by the ODU 108.

Each satellite 102-106 broadcasts downlink signals 120 in typicallythirty-two (32) different frequencies, which are licensed to varioususers for broadcasting of programming, which can be audio, video, ordata signals, or any combination. These signals are typically located inthe Ku-band of frequencies, i.e., 11-18 GHz. Future satellites willlikely broadcast in the Ka-band of frequencies, i.e., 18-40 GHz, buttypically 20-30 GHz.

As satellites 102-106 broadcast additional services and additionalchannels to viewers, viewers will like and expect to see programming onmonitor 114 that relate to their specific needs and desires.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To minimize the limitations in the prior art, and to minimize otherlimitations that will become apparent upon reading and understanding thepresent specification, the present invention discloses an interactivemosaic channel video stream with indicators as to the action on a givenvideo stream.

Such a channel is displayed on a video monitor, with a plurality ofindividual video feeds being presented at a given time, and comprises aplurality of video cells presenting at least video information, eachvideo cell associated with one of the plurality of individual videofeeds, each video cell further comprising an area within the video cellreporting data related to the video feed, a cursor, which can be movedbetween the plurality of video cells, for selecting at least onecharacteristic associated with a selected video cell, such that the usercan then directly select a video program associated with the selectedvideo cell, and at least one selection screen, associated with the videoinformation, wherein selections of at least one individual participantare made and statistics related to the selected individuals aredisplayed on the video monitor based on performance of the at least oneindividual participant.

The channel further optionally includes the selections of the at leastone individual participant being a fantasy football team selection, astatistical screen, associated with the individual video feeds, forpresenting statistical data related to the individual video feeds, thestatistical screen displaying statistics related to the individual videofeed selected by the cursor, the statistical screen further comprising amenu, the menu providing access to different displays of statistics, themenu further comprising statistics related to the selections of the atleast one individual participant, allowing gambling on events occurringin the video feed, allowing a user to gamble based on that user'sselection of the at least one participant, an overlay screen, which isoverlaid on the video program associated with the selected video cell,wherein the overlay screen provides information related to the at leastone selected individual participant, and the frequency of appearance ofthe overlay screen being selectable.

A system for displaying a plurality of individual video feeds at a giventime in accordance with the present invention comprises a broadcastdelivery system, comprising a transmitter and a receiver, a monitor,coupled to the receiver, for selectively displaying a plurality of videocells presenting at least video information, each video cell associatedwith one of the plurality of individual video feeds, each video cellfurther comprising an area within the video cell reporting data relatedto the video feed, a cursor, which is moveable between the plurality ofvideo cells, for selecting at least one characteristic associated with aselected video cell, such that a video program associated with theselected video cell is directly selectable, and at least one selectionscreen, associated with the video information, wherein selection of atleast one individual participant is made and statistics related to theat least one selected individual participant is displayed on the videomonitor based on performance of the at least one selected individualparticipant.

Such a system further optionally comprises the broadcast delivery systembeing a satellite television delivery system, the selections of the atleast one individual participant is a fantasy football team selection, astatistical screen, associated with the individual video feeds, forpresenting statistical data related to the individual video feeds, thestatistical screen displays statistics related to the individual videofeed being selected by the cursor, the statistical screen furthercomprising a menu, the menu providing access to different displays ofstatistics, the menu further comprising statistics related to theselections of the at least one individual participant, allowing gamblingon events occurring in the video feed, an overlay screen, which isoverlaid on the video program associated with the selected video cell,wherein the overlay screen provides information related to the at leastone selected individual participant, and a frequency of appearance ofthe overlay screen being selectable.

Other features and advantages are inherent in the system disclosed orwill become apparent to those skilled in the art from the followingdetailed description and its accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the drawings in which like reference numbers representcorresponding parts throughout:

FIG. 1 illustrates a typical satellite television installation of therelated art;

FIG. 2 illustrates a typical eight-cell matrix with a generic video feedin accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a video presentation of one of the video cells ofFIG. 2;

FIG. 4 illustrates a presentation of a highlights channel in accordancewith the present invention;

FIGS. 5 and 6 are examples of alerts that are available within thepresent invention;

FIGS. 7-11 illustrate how a viewer selects the frequency and specificsof alert occurrences within the present invention; and

FIGS. 12-20 illustrate statistical presentation screens within thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following description, reference is made to the accompanyingdrawings which form a part hereof, and which is shown, by way ofillustration, several embodiments of the present invention. It isunderstood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changesmay be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Overview

The present invention is an interactive television channel that allows aviewer to view a video stream and select specific audio and/or videofrom the video stream based on a viewer's individual desires. The videostream is typically delivered to a user's monitor 114 via system 100,but could be done using cable or other terrestrial techniques.

When a viewer watches a specific program on a monitor 114, they arewatching a “viewer channel” that comprises video and audio informationthat is routed to a specific “channel” to the monitor 114. For example,when a viewer wants to watch the local FOX affiliate station, they knowthat station is associated with a specific channel number on theirmonitor 114 or IRD 112, e.g., channel 11. When they program or otherwiseindicate to the monitor 114 or IRD 112 to tune to channel 11, themonitor 114 or IRD 112 manipulates the electronics to capture andpresent the video information associated with that command from thesatellite downlink 120, or from another source such as a coaxial cableinput (cable TV) or terrestrial broadcast frequencies to present thatinformation on monitor 114. The “viewer channel” information istypically the information that is presented when a viewer selects agiven “channel” on the monitor 114 or IRD 112.

The present invention provides additional viewer channels that comprisemultiple video feeds that would normally be presented to a viewer onseparate viewer channels, as well as optionally presenting indicators ofwhat is happening on each video feed. A viewer channel that comprisesmultiple video feeds from other stand-alone channels is typically calleda “mix channel.”

The present invention also allows a viewer to select various portions ofthe video and audio presentation based on commands sent by the viewer,typically via the remote control, to select the desired video and audiothat is presented. This presentation is typically referred to as an“interactive channel,” an “interactive matrix channel,” or an“interactive mosaic channel” herein.

Within the interactive mosaic channel, the viewer is given severalchoices of other viewer channels to view, either simultaneously as in amatrix view, or the viewer can choose one of the matrixed viewerchannels directly from the interactive mosaic channel.

Further, other presentations of the mix channel can be presented evenafter a user has selected one of the video feeds to view directly.

There can be more than one interactive channel as described above, and,as such each of the interactive channels can have a thematic core,genre, or subject. For example, the interactive channels can comprise agroup of related channels, such as a group of viewer channels thatprovide news programming, a second group of viewer channels that providesports programming, a group of channels that provide children'sprogramming, a group of channels that provide home shopping programming,or a group of channels that is selected by the user. Other groupings canbe presented, such as all of the local network affiliate channels,specialty groups such as a group of channels that provideforeign-language specific programming, pay-per-view preview channels,sports programming, etc. The present invention is not limited based onthe grouping of channels matrixed together to comprise the interactivemosaic channel.

The interactive mosaic channel can be reached in a similar fashion tothe other viewer channels available for viewing on monitor 114; theinteractive mosaic channel can be selected from the programming guide,the interactive mosaic channel number can be entered directly on theremote control, or the interactive mosaic channel would be found whenthe user is “channel surfing” or using the “next higher or lowerchannel” button on the remote control or directly on the monitor 114 orIRD 112.

Interactive Mosaic Channel Display Diagram

FIG. 2 illustrates a typical eight-cell matrix with a generic video feedin accordance with the present invention.

Interactive mosaic channel 200 is shown as being displayed on monitor114. Within interactive mosaic channel 200, there are a number of videocells 202-216 and a text box 218, also referred to as an On ScreenDisplay (OSD) 218. Optionally, the interactive mosaic channel 200further comprises a cursor 220, a background video graphic 222, and adynamic ticker 224.

The number of video cells 202-216 can change based on the number ofvideo cells 202-216 desired. As the number of video cells 202-216increases, of course, there must be a reduction in the size of the videocells 202-216 to ensure that the video cells 202-216 can bedifferentiated on the monitor 114. As the number of video cells 202-216decreases, the size of the video cells 202-216 can increase, since thereis more space available on monitor 114 to display video cells 202-216.

Further, the placement of video cells 202-216, text box 218, backgroundgraphic 222, and ticker 224 is not limited to the positions on monitor114 as shown in FIG. 2. These elements 202-216, 218, 222, and 224 can bedisplayed anywhere on monitor 114 without departing from the scope ofthe present invention.

As there are multiple video feeds, e.g., one video feed for each videocell 202-216 being presented, each video cell 202-216, as well as textbox 218, background video 222 and possibly dynamic ticker 224, haveassociated audio portions that can be played. Presenting more than oneaudio stream may be confusing to a viewer of monitor 114; as such, it istypical that only one audio stream of information is presented at agiven time. Further, each of the video feeds may also haveclosed-captioning information associated with it, and selection of aclosed-captioned presentation, rather than an audio presentation, can beperformed if desired.

Video Cells

Video cells 202-216 each typically contain a separate viewer channel ofprogramming. Further, each video cell 202-216 contains other informationthat is presented within the video cell as described herein.

Channel indicator 226 is shown within video cell 202, to show the viewerthe “direct tune” channel number for that video cell 202. For example,video cell 202 shown in FIG. 2 shows a channel indicator 226 displayingchannel 701 as the channel for that video information. When cursor 220is placed on (or around) that video cell 202, as is shown in FIG. 2, theaudio or other associated data for that video cell 202 can be presentedto the viewer.

Related Data

There also may be other related data for a given video cell 202-216 thatis of interest to a viewer. For example, as shown in video cell 202, thevideo feed 228 content is a National Football League™ game. Teamidentifiers 230-232 indicate that the game in video feed 228 is acontest between the San Diego Chargers and the Oakland Raiders. There isa clock indicator 234 that indicates that this game is in the secondquarter, and that there are nine minutes and 25 seconds remaining in thesecond quarter. When certain events occur, e.g., a game enters the finaltwo minutes of a period or half, the clock indicator 234 can changecolors to further indicate to a viewer that the end of a period iscoming up. This may be important for certain types of events, and not asimportant for others, but is available as a graphical display for theclock indicator 234 within the scope of the present invention.

Further, there is a current score 236, showing that Oakland is winningthe game, 14-10. There is also a “possession” indicator 238, which isshown as a different color or other graphical indicator, that shows thatSan Diego is currently in possession of the ball. For example, the lightblue color of the possession indicator 238 indicates that San Diego isin possession of the ball.

Further, the possession indicator 238 can have a different size,position, or other graphical indicator to show the field position of theteam in possession. For example, San Diego's possession indicator 238shows that San Diego is currently at approximately midfield, because thepossession indicator 238 in video cell 202 is approximately halfwayacross the possession indicator 238 graphics area. However, video cell204, which is showing the Atlanta/New York Giants game, shows thatAtlanta is currently on the Atlanta side of the field, since possessionindicator 238 is of a different length and is less than halfway acrossthe respective indicator 238 graphics area.

When certain game conditions occur, position indicator 238 may alsochange color as well as size. For example, when a team gets withintwenty yards of the end zone on offense, they are considered in “the redzone” of the field. To indicate such a game condition, the positionindicator 238 can turn red, which indicates to a viewer that a team isinside scoring range for either a touchdown or a field goal. When a teamscores, the position indicator can flash or turn green, to indicate thatthe score of the game recently changed. Other indicators are possible,e.g., when a penalty is called, one or both of the position indicators238 can turn yellow, when a turnover occurs, the recovering team'sposition indicators 238 can flash orange, etc.

For other types of video feeds, possession indicator 238 may provideother types of information. For example, in a hockey game, possession ofthe puck by a given team does not necessarily indicate an advantage inthe game or an impending score. However, if one hockey team is on apower play, or has a two-person advantage, possession indicator 238 canindicate these condition by changing color, flashing, or other graphicalindication to the viewer, such that the game condition is known byglancing at the mix channel 200 in an overview fashion, rather thanpaying attention to each video cell 202-216 in detail to determine theprogress of each video feed. So, for example, if one hockey team is on apower play (one-person advantage), the possession indicator 238 may begreen. If one hockey team has a two-person advantage, the possessionindicator 238 may be red, or flashing green, to indicate a differentgame condition to the viewer.

The possession indicator 238, clock indicator 234, or team identifiers230-232 can also change color, flash on and off, or present any numberof visual clues to the viewer, to indicate what is going on within videocell 202. For example, as shown in video cell 206, Indianapolis is inpossession of the ball and the possession indicator 238 is almost allthe way over to the right, which means Indianapolis is threatening toscore. The possession indicator 238 is colored red, and the backgroundcolor of Baltimore's possession indicator 238 changes from a dark blueto a maroon. Further, in video cell 212, Green Bay's possessionindicator 238 is bright green, indicating a recent score by Green Bay.

Placement of Video Cells

The placement for each video cell 202-216 can depend on a wide varietyof factors, such as Nielsen ratings for a given channel, whether a givenchannel is available on a specific viewer's programming package, viewerchannel number (lowest to highest or highest to lowest), expectedratings of the video feed, or can be decided or changed based onprogramming that is present on one or more of the viewer channelsavailable for the interactive mosaic channel.

For example, and not by way of limitation, a game between two divisionrivals, such as New England and Miami, may have an expected viewerrating higher than a game between two teams that are not doing well in agiven season. As such, the New England/Miami game may be placed in videocell 202 rather than in video cell 206, or vice versa. Further, as videocell 202-216 information becomes static, e.g., a game ends, or,conversely, as video cell 202-216 information becomes more important,e.g., a game goes into overtime, placement or movement of the videofeeds for the video cells 202-216 can be changed.

Other information may also appear in video cell 202-216, such as anindication that the video feed that is being presented in the associatedvideo cell 202 is a “user favorite” channel, the video cell 202-216 maybe presented in a different color or video texture to indicate that thevideo feed that is being presented in the associated video cell 202 is achannel that presents programming that adults may wish to block fromtheir children's view or has closed-captioning available, etc. Manypossibilities are available within the scope of the present invention topresent various types of video information within video cell 202-206 forviewer selection and benefit. Further, if the video feed for a givenchannel has not started yet, e.g., a game has not started yet, a graphicmay be displayed to indicate the nature of the upcoming video feed forthat video cell 202-216.

Text Box

Text box 218 contains textual information that is useful to the viewer,and this information can change depending on the viewer's selection ofinteractive services as described herein. For example, the text box 218can contain a generic statement about the genre of the interactivemosaic channel 200, or statements directed to a selected video cell202-216 or information related to a selected video cell 202-216 todescribe to a user the meaning of the information presented in the videocell 202-216 or other information related to the video cell 202-216. Thetext box can also scroll to present additional information to the viewerthat does not all fit within text box 218 at a given time.

There can also be default text associated with each interactive mosaicchannel 200, and, depending on the capabilities of IRD 112, each time aninteractive mosaic channel 200 is tuned to, a default descriptive textshall be displayed in the text box 218.

Background Video

Background video 222 is typically a backdrop for the interactive mosaicchannel 200. The background video 222 can be related to the genre of theinteractive mosaic channel 222; for example, in a news environment, thebackground video 208 can be related to a top news story, the stockmarket exchange building, a prominent government building, etc. Thebackground video 222 can be changed or can be a dynamic video dependingon the desires of the editorial staff or viewer preferences. Further,the background video 222 can be a logo or other indicator of the sourceof the interactive mosaic channel 200, such as DIRECTV.

Dynamic Ticker

The dynamic ticker 224 can be used to provide real-time updates to thegenre of the interactive mosaic channel 200. For example, in a sportsenvironment, the dynamic ticker 224 can provide updated scores orbreaking news, or act as an alert system as described herein. Thedynamic ticker 210 can also be used to present other information, suchas statistics, closed captioning information, or other information, thatcan be related to the genre or to other issues. The dynamic ticker 224can also be updated with new information at a different rate than thatof the video cells 202-216, because the source of information that isused to create dynamic ticker 224 comes from a different source than theinformation that is presented in video cells 202-216.

Viewer Interaction

By selecting a given video cell 202-216, the viewer is selecting aspecific characteristic associated with that given video cell 202-216,or associated video feed 228 used to generate that video cell 202-216.In most instances, when the viewer selects a given video cell 202-216via cursor 220, the audio portion associated with the selected videocell 202-216 will be presented to the viewer, rather than a genericaudio portion associated with interactive mosaic channel 200. Further,selection of a given video cell 202-216 with cursor 220 may also selecta closed captioning data stream associated with the selected video cell202-216, depending on the availability of such a data stream and/orother settings that a viewer has selected. Cursor 220 can be moved toany of the video cells 202-216, and, optionally, can be moved to selecttext box 218 or ticker 224.

When cursor 220 is moved to a given video cell 202-216, or to text box218 or ticker 224, text box 218 also may undergo a change ininformation. Typically, when the video cell 202-216 is selected by theviewer, indicated by the presence of cursor 220, text box 218 willpresent the information in the Advanced Program Guide (APG) that isassociated with the viewer channel (indicated by channel indicator 226)selected by cursor 220. The APG typically includes information on theprogram or “show” that is currently being presented by the viewerchannel shown in video cell 202-216, as well as the time that show isbeing aired and the next show to be aired on that viewer channel. Otherinformation, either in the APG or external to the APG, can also bedisplayed in the text box 218 when the cursor is moved to a given videocell 202-216. The text box 218 can also remain static if desired.

As such, the viewer can “interact” with the interactive mosaic channel200 and decide which audio track to listen to, find out a plot line ofeach of the shows being presented in the various video cells 202-216, orfind out what is going to be aired next in the various viewer channelsbeing presented in video cells 202-216, while variously viewing thevideo presentations in the video cells 202. If a specific video cell202-216 presents video information that is of interest to a viewer, thenthe viewer can move cursor 500, via a remote control command, to a givenvideo cell 202.

If the viewer decides that the selected video cell 202 is of enoughinterest, the viewer can then directly tune to the selected video cell202, i.e., tune directly to that viewer channel that is providing thevideo and audio used to create video cell 202, by pressing a singlebutton on the remote control (typically the “select” button on a DIRECTVremote control). This will tune the IRD 112 or monitor 114 to thatviewer channel, which will then be presented full-screen to the vieweras in a normal television monitor 114 viewing format.

Default Conditions

When a viewer arrives at a given interactive mosaic channel 200, theposition of cursor 220 may default to the first video cell 202, anygiven video cell 202-216, or not be present at all. The viewer may haveto press a button on the remote control to activate the cursor 220.Typically, a viewer moves the cursor 220 by using the up/down/left/rightkeys on a remote control associated with the IRD 112, but other methodscan be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.Further, if IRD 112 is not enabled for any or enough interactiveservices, the cursor 220 functions may be disabled, either entirely orpartially, depending on the capabilities of IRD 112.

There can also be the ability to record interactive mosaic channel 200which will allow a viewer to record what would be several viewerchannels as a single viewer channel, i.e., the recorded interactivemosaic channel 200. However, a recorded version of interactive mosaicchannel 200 may act differently than a live-feed interactive mosaicchannel 200, because the cursor 220 functions may no longer beconsistent with a recorded version of that video information. Forexample, selection of a video cell 202, in a live-feed version, wouldtune the IRD 112 to the channel number associated with that video cell202. When it is a recorded version, selection of that video cell wouldnot tune the IRD 112 to the channel number, but would likely presentthat recorded video information in a full-monitor 114 format, withpossible degradation of picture quality. The ability to recordinteractive mosaic channel 200 may also be selectively disabled ifdesired.

Changes in Interactive Mosaic Channel Display

Some of the interactive mosaic channels 200 may, because of the genreselected for that interactive mosaic channel 200 or for other reasons,may need to have the video cells 202-216 changed from one viewer channelto another, or to have video cells 202-216 added or deleted from thepresentation of the interactive mosaic channel 200 on monitor 114. Assuch, there must be a capability to change the presentation of any giveninteractive mosaic channel 200. The changes may be of a time-sensitivenature, such as changes in news or sporting events, or a seasonalchange, such as additional viewer channels carrying an event such as theNCAA Basketball Tournament, and thus, would be seasonally included in aninteractive mosaic channel 200 presentation, or of a programming nature,where a viewer adds or deletes a viewer channel to their programmingpackage and thus access to such a viewer channel is selectively allowedor denied. If such a viewer channel is being used to create a giveninteractive mosaic channel 200, then the interactive mosaic channel 200must have the capability of adding that video feed for presentation onthe monitor.

For example, in a sports genre interactive mosaic channel 200, it istypically known when a sporting event will start and which viewerchannel the event will be carried on. So, interactive mosaic channel 200can schedule the change to the video feed for that viewer channel asbeing shown on a video cell 202, or change away from a viewer channelthat is no longer carrying a sporting event, based on a schedule orother set time-frame events.

When such changes take place, the service provider (which can beDIRECTV, or some other service provider) can program the interactivemosaic channel 200 to change the video presentation on channel 200. Thiscan be done in a variety of ways, either by selectively blacking out thevideo cells 202-216, presenting a graphic on the video feed during thechanges made to the video cells 202-216, or other methods, presented tothe viewer in such a way that the video feeds 228 used to create videocells 202-216 are not visible. It may or may not be desirable to presentinformation on the dynamic ticker 210 that the viewer needs to waitduring the change in programming. Once the interactive mosaic channel200 programming is completed, the service provider would then send thevideo information that shows the new configuration of video cells202-216, new text box 204 information, etc. Other methods of performingthe change in video presentation of viewer channels are also possiblewithin the scope of the present invention.

The service provider, and the viewer, have the ability to black out ordisable viewer channels, and, as such, have the ability to black out ordisable not only entire interactive mosaic channels 200, but theindividual video feeds that are associated with video cells 202 that arepresented within an interactive mosaic channel 200. Further, users mayhave the ability to create their own interactive mosaic channel 200,depending on the equipment capabilities of IRD 112, monitor 114, orother equipment that a specific viewer may have access to.

L-Wrap Presentation of Video Cell

FIG. 3 illustrates a video presentation of one of the video cells ofFIG. 2.

As discussed with respect to FIG. 2, cursor 220 can be placed on(around) any of the video cells 202-216 and, when desired, the viewercan push a button on the remote control for the IRD 112 and direct tuneto the cursor 220 selected video cell 202-216. This typically brings thevideo feed for the selected video cell 202-216 to a “full screen”condition, but can also be shown in the format of FIG. 3.

Screen 300 displays the video feed 228 that was present in the cursor220 selected video cell 202-216. However, the associated data with theother video cells 202-216, and other related video feeds that may or maynot have been viewed on screen 200, are presented in an “L-wrap” formataround screen 300. The clock indicator 234 current score 236, andpossession indicator 238 for each game shown in data cells 302-320.Cursor 220 highlights which video feed is currently being viewed onscreen 300. By moving cursor 220 from one data cell 302-320 to another,the screen 300 will change the video feed to show the selected videofeed to the viewer on screen 300.

Further, the presentation comprises a taskbar 322, which comprisesseveral selection buttons 324-330, described below.

Exit Button

The exit button 324, if selected by the viewer by pressing an indicatedbutton on a remote control for IRD 112, will exit the “L-wrap” view andallow the user to view the selected video feed 228 on the full screen.Pressing the indicated remote control button again (once the video feed228 was presented full screen) would return the view to the “L-wrap”view shown in FIG. 3. For example, the indicated remote control buttonfor this exit button 324 function can be a red button.

Stats Button

The stats button 326, if selected by the viewer by pressing an indicatedbutton on a remote control for IRD 112, will present statistics for thegame selected by cursor 220. The statistics presented are shown onscreen 300, either as an overlay to the video feed 228, or instead ofvideo feed 228, to indicate team and/or individual statistics for thegame selected by cursor 220. For example, the indicated remote controlbutton for the stats button 326 function can be a green button. Thesestatistics can be accessed via a computer and used to assist a viewer inassessing individual player statistics, team statistics, etc., for avariety of data compilations, including fantasy sports leagues, etc.

More Scores Button

The more scores button 328, if selected by the viewer by pressing anindicated button on a remote control for IRD 112, will shuffle the datain data cells 302-320 to give the user access to data that is not beingpresented in the original L-wrap presentation. For example, there may beadditional games taking place, or additional games that have alreadybeen completed, that the viewer is interested in. Rather than changechannels, the user can continue watching the video feed 228 on screen300, and scroll through the other games in progress or games that havealready been completed. For example, the indicated remote control buttonfor the more scores button 324 function can be a yellow button.

Game Mix Button

The game mix button 326, if selected by the viewer by pressing anindicated button on a remote control for IRD 112, will return the viewerto screen 200 as illustrated in FIG. 2. For example, the indicatedremote control button for this game mix button 324 function can be ablue button.

Alerts

If desired, when one of the data indicators reaches a certain condition,or another pre-determined event takes place, a pop-up message can appearon screen 300 to indicate to the viewer that something is happening on avideo feed that the viewer is not currently viewing.

For example, with respect to FIG. 3, the viewer is watching the NewEngland/Cincinnati game (as indicated by cursor 220). However, an eventmay occur in another game, such as a scoring play, a turnover, or aplayer that the viewer is interested in for fantasy football purposeshas thrown a touchdown pass. When these events occur, an alert can beprovided to the player, and, if desired, the player can press a buttonon the remote control to direct tune to that game or event, or to aspecial channel, e.g., a live highlights channel, that is showing theevent in question.

Short Cuts

Further, each video feed 228 can be edited to remove unnecessary videoinformation, e.g., huddles, time outs, etc., such that each videopresentation can be viewed in a shortened amount of time. For example,every play of an average football game can be seen, without huddles,time outs, audibles, etc., in about 20-30 minutes of viewing time. Eachvideo feed 228 used for the mix channel 200 can be compressed into this“short cuts” video package, and presented either on a separate “shortcuts” video mix channel 200, such that a viewer can select which shortcut video to view, or can be presented to a Personal Video Recorder(PVR), or can be presented on individual viewer channels, for viewing ata later time. The presentation of the short cuts mix channel 200,individual short cuts channels, or PVR service may require additionalhardware or additional fees for a given viewer.

Highlights on Demand

FIG. 4 illustrates a presentation of a highlights channel in accordancewith the present invention.

Screen 400 has several items shown, such as video 402, selection area404, game ticker 406, and scoreboard 408. Screen 402 shows the video ofhighlights of a game selected in selection area 404. As shown in FIG. 4,selection area 404 has game 410 highlighted, which means that theHouston/Kansas City game is selected. Game ticker 406 indicates that thehighlight being viewed on screen 402 is from the first quarter, becausecursor 412 is in the first part of game ticker 406. Cursor 412 moveswithin game ticker 406 to indicate where in the actual game the videobeing shown in screen 402 takes place. Scoreboard 408 indicates theteams and which team scored in which period of the game, and the finalscore.

Live Highlights Channel

In addition to the highlights channel which shows highlights ofindividual games, screen 402, or another screen 300, or even one or morevideo cells 202-216, can be programmed to show highlights of events asthey occur. Such a channel is called a “red zone” channel, and such achannel would switch back and forth between one event and another,showing exciting or important plays from various events that areoccurring. Rather than watching the highlights when a broadcaster wishesto show them, such a “red zone” channel allows viewers to watchhighlights when desired.

Interactive Gambling

The present invention allows for viewers to interactively place betsusing their IRD 112 on contests where such bets are legally allowed. Aviewer can place proposition bets, e.g., first score of the day, firstpenalty, etc., and obtain points or other remuneration for eithergambling against others for money or for fin. A viewer can also obtainalerts related to fantasy football players, etc. for fantasy footballleagues, fantasy baseball leagues, etc.

Interactive Gaming

The present invention also allows for viewers to participate in the gamethey are watching. For example, a player can use a video game that isdesigned or modified to interact with the video feed 228, such that theplayer is controlling one of the teams that is seen on the televisionmonitor 114. For example, the offense in a football is controlled by thereal players, while the defense is controlled via a joystick,controller, or other device that the viewer is using, such that a viewercan try to intercept a pass from a professional quarterback, hit abaseball pitch thrown by a professional baseball player, or drive a racecar against professional race car drivers on the track at the same timethe professional athlete is performing. Rather than using a computer toemulate the professional player, which is often done in sports videogames, the viewer is playing against the actual player, in real time.Computer control of the outcome of the viewer's efforts may differ fromthe actual game, and the computer would record these differences andshow a computer-generated different outcome than that of the real game.Statistics and scores from the hybridized computer-reality game would berecorded separately from those statistics from the actual game. Theviewer can control whether to continue to view the actual game, thehybridized game, or the computer-generated game, depending on viewerpreferences.

Alerts Capability

FIGS. 5 and 6 are examples of alerts that are available within thepresent invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates screen 200 with alert ticker 500 appearing near thebottom of screen 200. Although shown at the bottom of screen 200, alertticker 500 can appear anywhere on screen 200, including being an overlayscreen which allows the viewer to see through the alert to theunderlying video cells and/or video being presented on screen 200. FIG.6 illustrates alert ticker 500 being presented on a full screenpresentation 502. Furthermore, alert ticker 500 can be presented onL-wrap screen 300, or on any channel that the viewer desires, withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention. Typically, screen 200is assigned to a separate channel within system 100, but such anassignment is not necessarily required within the scope of the presentinvention.

Alert ticker 500 indicates to the viewer that a specific event hasoccurred that the viewer has indicated some interest in. For example,and not by way of limitation, the viewer may be interested in fantasyfootball, and has chosen specific players to follow for their fantasyfootball team. Within the present invention, viewers can select playersfor the system 100 to follow, and present an alert ticker 500 when theselected players perform certain tasks or complete specific goals. Asshown in FIGS. 5 and 6, a viewer may have selected specific quarterbacksor receivers to follow, and the alert shown illustrates that a specificquarterback and a specific receiver have connected for a touchdown passof 27 yards, and that the quarterback has thrown for 204 total yards onthe day. These statistics inform the viewer that his selection of thequarterback and/or the receiver have given that viewer certain points intheir fantasy football league, or allow for a viewer to keep an eye ontheir favorite players while watching another game being presented. Asshown in FIG. 6, within alert ticker 500 additional information can bepresented, such as advertisements or other information that may be ofuse to the viewer. Other alerts, such as a show of interest, or a showwithin a particular genre of interest, can also be displayed within thescope of the present invention. Although described with respect toselection of players and alerts based on player performance, otherindicia can be used to present alerts without departing from the scopeof the present invention.

Selection of Alert Occurrences

FIGS. 7-11 illustrate how a viewer selects the frequency and specificsof alert occurrences within the present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates full screen 502, with status bar 700 appearing on thebottom of screen 502. By pressing a specific button on a remote control,e.g., the “red button” or the “yellow button,” etc., the viewer canenter into a nested menu of choices which allows the viewer to selectspecific players, events, frequencies of alerts, etc. that are availablefor alert status and will generate alert ticker 500 on the monitor 114.

Player alerts section 702 indicates which button on the remote controlneeds to be pressed to enter into the nested menu. Clear section 704indicates the button on the remote control that needs to be pressed toclear the status bar 700 from the monitor 114.

Status bar 700 may also appear automatically based on which channel theIRD 112 is tuned to. For example, and not by way of limitation, if theviewer has tuned to a mix channel that is showing sporting events, theIRD 112 may automatically or periodically display status bar 700 for theviewer to allow the viewer the opportunity to enter player informationat the beginning of a contest, or between contests, etc. Further, anotice may appear on specific channels upon first tuning to that channelthat will indicate which button or buttons on the remote control shouldbe pressed to enable status bar 700 for given channels. Typically, thiswill be the “select” button, but other buttons can be used withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention.

Introductory Screen

FIG. 8 illustrates the screen in the nested menu of the presentinvention.

FIG. 8 shows screen 800, which can include textual information 802,advertising 804, and status bar 806, which provide data to the viewer asto how to navigate the nested menu of the present invention and otherinformation.

Within status bar 806, viewers are given visual indicators, e.g.,colored buttons, to choose with textual information such that the viewercan navigate to other screens. For example, and not by way oflimitation, the “red” button is assigned to the Exit feature 808, the“green” button is assigned to the choose players feature 810, the“yellow” button is assigned to the view players feature 812, and theblue button is assigned to the alert preferences feature 814. Othercolors or other buttons can be used without departing from the scope ofthe present invention.

Player Selection Screens

FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate the player selection screens of the presentinvention.

FIG. 9 illustrates screen 900, which allows a viewer to select playerswhich alerts will be generated for. System 100 tracks every play fromevery contest and every team, such that each player is given individualstatistics that are compiled in near-real-time and can be then forwardedto those viewers that have selected certain players. IRD 112 receivesthe data from system 100 and displays the alerts on monitor 114.

Team list 902 comprises all of the teams that are available for playerselection, cursor arrows 904 and 906 allow the viewer to scroll up anddown until the desired team is highlighted. As the teams are scrolledthrough, player selection area 908 changes based on the players that areon the team 910 that is selected in team list 902.

Viewers can then select via cursor keys or other keys on the remotecontrol which players that particular viewer wants to receive alertsfor. As shown in FIG. 10, the player selection area 908 is blank;however, in FIG. 9, the quarterback and the defense have been selectedin player selection area 908. Additional pages of the player selectionarea 908 are available via more button 912, and when the viewer hascompleted their selections, the save button 914 can be selected to storethe viewer's selections.

Alert Frequency Screen

FIG. 11 illustrates the alert frequency screen of the present invention.

FIG. 11 illustrates screen 1100 and which is reached from button 814 onstatus bar 806. Screen 1100 allows viewers to select whether alerts areturned on or off via control 1102, and to select the sensitivity of thealerts via control 1104. The sensitivity of the alerts control 1104 usespreset plays, such as a gain of more than ten yards in a single play, ora first down, or something more dramatic like a touchdown play, totrigger alerts based on the sensitivity selected by the viewer viacontrol 1104. The viewer's preferences for alert frequency andsensitivity are then saved via save button 1106.

Statistics Pages

FIGS. 12-20 illustrate statistical presentation screens within thepresent invention.

FIG. 12 illustrates screen 1200, which is typically reached by pressingbutton 326 from screen 300 or from a direct tuning to a channeldedicated to statistical presentation of data. As cursor 220 is placedon a given data cell 302-320, the statistics for the selected data cell302-320 is displayed in statistical area 1202. Menu 1204 is alsoavailable such that the viewer can display different types of statisticsbased on genre, player, selected players from the player alert systemdescribed herein, or best performances for the day or week of a givensport's season.

As cursor 220 is moved between data cells 302-320, the statistics forthe selected data cell 302-320 are presented in statistical area 1202.Further, as the different cells of menu 1204 are highlighted, differentstatistical presentations are made within statistical area 1202. Forexample, when Team Stats 1206 area is highlighted on menu 1204, the teamstatistics, such as first downs, penalties, etc. are shown instatistical area 1202, as shown in FIG. 12.

When the highlighted area of menu 1204 is changed, as shown in FIG. 13,different statistics are displayed within statistical area 1202. So, forexample, when Scoring Plays 1208 is highlighted in menu 1204, thescoring plays of the game that is highlighted by cursor 220 aredisplayed in statistical area 1202.

Further, when the highlighted area of menu 1204 is changed to IndividualStats 1210, a dropdown menu 1212 appears such that individual playerstatistics of different types, e.g., rushing, passing, receiving, etc.can be displayed separately. Again, the highlighted area of dropdownmenu 1212 can be selected by the viewer, to view the statistics of thegame highlighted by cursor 220. So, when Rush 1214 area is selected, therushing leaders for the game selected by cursor 220 are shown instatistical area 1202, as shown in FIG. 14. When Pass 1216 area isselected from dropdown menu 1212 of menu 1204, the passing statisticsfor the game selected by cursor 220 are displayed in statistical area1202, as shown in FIG. 15. Again, when Receiving 1218 area is selectedfrom dropdown menu 1212 of menu 1204, the receiving statistics for thegame selected by cursor 220 are displayed in statistical area 1202, asshown in FIG. 16.

As part of the present invention, viewers can select My Players 1220area within menu 1204, and can view statistics related to the playersselected as described with respect to FIGS. 7-11 herein. Statisticalarea 1202 will then display statistics related to the players selected,and various pages of data can be scrolled through as needed depending onhow many players are selected and statistics available for thoseplayers. Such an example is shown in FIG. 17.

FIG. 18 illustrates an example of selection of the Today's Best 1222area of menu 1204, which displays the best individual performances ofthe week's contests. A dropdown menu 1224 appears, such that the Rush1226, Pass 1228, and Receiving 1230 leaders for the week are displayedseparately, as shown in FIGS. 18-20. Such statistical data shown instatistical area 1202 can be used to assist viewers in selecting playersfor next week's contests through the use of FIGS. 7-11 of the presentinvention.

Such a selection and statistical presentation as shown in FIGS. 7-20herein allows for a gaming or gambling arena for participants using thepresent invention, based on their knowledgeable or lucky selections ofplayers or other individual participants or team defenses.

Conclusion

The present invention discloses an interactive mosaic video channel.Such a channel is displayed on a video monitor, with a plurality ofindividual video feeds being presented at a given time, and comprises aplurality of video cells presenting at least video information, eachvideo cell associated with one of the plurality of individual videofeeds, each video cell further comprising an area within the video cellreporting data related to the video feed, a cursor, which can be movedbetween the plurality of video cells, for selecting at least onecharacteristic associated with a selected video cell, such that the usercan then directly select a video program associated with the selectedvideo cell, and at least one selection screen, associated with the videoinformation, wherein selections of at least one individual participantare made and statistics related to the selected individuals aredisplayed on the video monitor based on performance of the at least oneindividual participant.

The channel further optionally includes the selections of the at leastone individual participant being a fantasy football team selection, astatistical screen, associated with the individual video feeds, forpresenting statistical data related to the individual video feeds, thestatistical screen displaying statistics related to the individual videofeed selected by the cursor, the statistical screen further comprising amenu, the menu providing access to different displays of statistics, themenu further comprising statistics related to the selections of the atleast one individual participant, allowing gambling on events occurringin the video feed, allowing a user to gamble based on that user'sselection of the at least one participant, an overlay screen, which isoverlaid on the video program associated with the selected video cell,wherein the overlay screen provides information related to the at leastone selected individual participant, and the frequency of appearance ofthe overlay screen being selectable.

A system for displaying a plurality of individual video feeds at a giventime in accordance with the present invention comprises a broadcastdelivery system, comprising a transmitter and a receiver, a monitor,coupled to the receiver, for selectively displaying a plurality of videocells presenting at least video information, each video cell associatedwith one of the plurality of individual video feeds, each video cellfurther comprising an area within the video cell reporting data relatedto the video feed, a cursor, which is moveable between the plurality ofvideo cells, for selecting at least one characteristic associated with aselected video cell, such that a video program associated with theselected video cell is directly selectable, and at least one selectionscreen, associated with the video information, wherein selection of atleast one individual participant is made and statistics related to theat least one selected individual participant is displayed on the videomonitor based on performance of the at least one selected individualparticipant. Such a system further optionally comprises the broadcastdelivery system being a satellite television delivery system, theselections of the at least one individual participant is a fantasyfootball team selection, a statistical screen, associated with theindividual video feeds, for presenting statistical data related to theindividual video feeds, the statistical screen displays statisticsrelated to the individual video feed being selected by the cursor, thestatistical screen further comprising a menu, the menu providing accessto different displays of statistics, the menu further comprisingstatistics related to the selections of the at least one individualparticipant, allowing gambling on events occurring in the video feed, anoverlay screen, which is overlaid on the video program associated withthe selected video cell, wherein the overlay screen provides informationrelated to the at least one selected individual participant, and afrequency of appearance of the overlay screen being selectable.

The foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the inventionhas been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. Itis not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to theprecise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possiblein light of the above teaching. It is intended that the scope of theinvention be limited not by this detailed description, but by the claimsappended hereto and the full range of equivalents to the claims appendedhereto.

1. An interactive matrixed video channel displayed on a video monitor,with a plurality of individual video feeds being presented at a giventime, comprising a plurality of video cells presenting at least videoinformation, each video cell associated with one of the plurality ofindividual video feeds, each video cell further comprising an areawithin the video cell reporting data related to the video feed; acursor, which is moveable between the plurality of video cells, forselecting at least one characteristic associated with a selected videocell, such that a video program associated with the selected video cellis selectable via the cursor; and at least one selection screen,associated with the video information, wherein selections of at leastone individual participant are made and statistics related to theselected individuals are displayed on the video monitor based onperformance of the at least one individual participant.
 2. Theinteractive matrixed video channel of claim 1, wherein the selections ofthe at least one individual participant is a fantasy football teamselection.
 3. The interactive matrixed channel of claim 2, furthercomprising a statistical screen, associated with the individual videofeeds, for presenting statistical data related to the individual videofeeds.
 4. The interactive matrixed channel of claim 3, wherein thestatistical screen displays statistics related to the individual videofeed selected by the cursor.
 5. The interactive matrixed channel ofclaim 4, wherein the statistical screen further comprises a menu, themenu providing access to different displays of statistics.
 6. Theinteractive matrixed channel of claim 5, wherein the menu furthercomprises statistics related to the selections of the at least oneindividual participant.
 7. The interactive matrixed channel of claim 6,further comprising allowing gambling on events occurring in the videofeed.
 8. The interactive matrixed channel of claim 6, further comprisingallowing a user to gamble based on that user's selection of the at leastone participant.
 9. The interactive matrixed channel of claim 6, furthercomprising an overlay screen, which is overlaid on the video programassociated with the selected video cell, wherein the overlay screenprovides information related to the at least one selected individualparticipant.
 10. The interactive matrixed channel of claim 9, whereinthe frequency of appearance of the overlay screen is selectable.
 11. Asystem for displaying a plurality of individual video feeds at a giventime, comprising: a broadcast delivery system, comprising a transmitterand a receiver; a monitor, coupled to the receiver, for selectivelydisplaying a plurality of of video cells presenting at least videoinformation, each video cell associated with one of the plurality ofindividual video feeds, each video cell further comprising an areawithin the video cell reporting data related to the video feed; acursor, which is moveable between the plurality of video cells, forselecting at least one characteristic associated with a selected videocell, such that a video program associated with the selected video cellis directly selectable; and at least one selection screen, associatedwith the video information, wherein selection of at least one individualparticipant is made and statistics related to the at least one selectedindividual participant is displayed on the video monitor based onperformance of the at least one selected individual participant.
 12. Thesystem of claim 11, wherein the broadcast delivery system is a satellitetelevision delivery system.
 13. The system of claim 12, wherein theselections of the at least one individual participant is a fantasyfootball team selection.
 14. The system of claim 13, further comprisinga statistical screen, associated with the individual video feeds, forpresenting statistical data related to the individual video feeds. 15.The system of claim 14, wherein the statistical screen displaysstatistics related to the individual video feed selected by the cursor.16. The system of claim 15, wherein the statistical screen furthercomprises a menu, the menu providing access to different displays ofstatistics.
 17. The system of claim 16, wherein the menu furthercomprises statistics related to the selections of the at least oneindividual participant.
 18. The system of claim 17, further comprisingallowing gambling on events occurring in the video feed.
 19. The systemof claim 17, further comprising an overlay screen, which is overlaid onthe video program associated with the selected video cell, wherein theoverlay screen provides information related to the at least one selectedindividual participant.
 20. The system of claim 17, wherein a frequencyof appearance of the overlay screen is selectable.